Devices, systems and methods for repairing lumenal systems

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides systems and related methods for delivering a prosthesis to a target location. The system includes a tether delivery catheter and a prosthesis delivery catheter, and also can include a lock delivery catheter or knot pusher, as desired. Various embodiments of useful valve prostheses are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims thebenefit of priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/074,517,filed Nov. 7, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,549,817, issued Jan 24, 2017,which in turn claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/723,734, filed Nov. 7, 2012. This application isalso related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/240,793, filed Sep.22, 2011, now abandoned, International Application No. PCT/US2013/28774,filed Mar. 2, 2013, and International Application No. PCT/US2011/59586,filed Nov. 7, 2011. The entire contents of each of the above referencedpatent applications is incorporated herein by reference for any purposewhatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Heart valves permit unidirectional flow of blood through the cardiacchambers to permit the heart to function as a pump. Valvular stenosis isone form of valvular heart disease that prevents blood from flowingthrough a heart valve, ultimately causing clinically significant heartfailure in humans. Another form of valvular disease results from heartvalves becoming incompetent. Failure of adequate heart valve closurepermits blood to leak through the valve in the opposite direction tonormal flow. Such reversal of flow through incompetent heart valves cancause heart failure in humans.

The human mitral valve is a complicated structure affected by a numberof pathological processes that ultimately result in valvularincompetence and heart failure in humans. Components of the mitral valveinclude the left ventricle, left atrium, anterior and posteriorpapillary muscles, mitral annulus, anterior mitral leaflet, posteriormitral leaflet and numerous chordae tendonae. The anterior leafletoccupies roughly ⅔ of the mitral valve area whereas the smallerposterior leaflet occupies ⅓ of the area. The anterior mitral leaflet,however, hangs from the anterior ⅓ of the perimeter of the mitralannulus whereas the posterior mitral leaflet occupies ⅔ of the annuluscircumference. Furthermore, the posterior mitral leaflet is oftenanatomically composed of three separate segments. In diastole, theanterior leaflet and the three posterior leaflets are pushed into theleft ventricle opening. In systole, the leaflets are pushed toward theplane of the mitral annulus where the posterior leaflets and largeranterior leaflet come into coaptation to prevent blood flow from theleft ventricle to the left atrium. The leaflets are held in this closedposition by the chordae tendonae. Dysfunction or failure of one or moreof these mitral components may cause significant mitral valvularregurgitation and clinical disease in humans.

Surgical treatment has been the gold standard since its introduction inthe 1950s. Currently, there are two surgical options offered fortreatment. The first, mitral valve replacement, requires complex surgeryusing cardiopulmonary bypass to replace the mitral valve using amechanical or bioprosthetic valvular prosthesis. Although a time-testedand proven strategy for treatment, bioprostheic valves suffer from poorlong-term durability and mechanical valves require anticoagulation. Asan alternative, surgical mitral valve repair has emerged as a superiorprocedure to achieve mitral valve competence and normal function. Thisoperation is really a collection of surgical techniques and prosthesesthat collectively are referred to a mitral valve repair. Each componentof the mitral valve can be altered, replaced, repositioned, resected orreinforced to achieve mitral valve competence.

Mitral annuloplasty has become a standard component of surgical mitralvalve repair. In performing this procedure, the circumference of themitral valve annulus is reduced and/or reshaped by sewing or fixing aprosthetic ring or partial ring to the native mitral valve annulus. As aconsequence of mitral annuloplasty, the posterior mitral leaflet oftenbecomes fixed in a closed position, pinned against the posterior leftventricular endocardium. The opening and closure of the mitral valve issubsequently based almost entirely on the opening and closing of theanterior mitral valve leaflet.

SUMMARY

The purpose and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forthin and become apparent from the description that follows. Additionaladvantages of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained bythe methods and systems particularly pointed out in the writtendescription hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the disclosure, as embodied herein, in one aspect, the disclosureincludes a tether delivery catheter for delivering an anchored tether toan anatomical location. The tether delivery catheter includes anelongate torqueable drive shaft having a proximal end that can have afirst handle attached thereto and a distal end having a coupling forreceiving an anchor. The tether delivery catheter further includes ananchor received in a torqueable relationship with the coupling of thedistal end of the elongate torqueable drive shaft. The anchor has ananchoring portion to be advanced into an anatomical location, and atleast one elongate tether extending proximally from the anchor towardthe first handle. The tether delivery catheter further includes an outertubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate bodysurrounding the elongate torqueable drive shaft. The outer tubularmember can include a handle near or at its proximal end. The secondhandle is preferably rotatable with respect to the first handle about acentral axis of the catheter to permit the anchor and elongatetorqueable drive shaft to be rotated with respect to the outer tubularmember.

If desired, the anchor can include a single tether, or a plurality oftethers, such as two tethers. When a plurality of tethers is provided, aloading needle can be provided that is disposed on a proximal end of thetethers to facilitate routing the tethers through the tether deliverycatheter prior to use. The anchoring portion of the anchor can include ahelical thread, for example, among other suitable retaining structures.The anchoring portion can be anchored into tissue by rotating the firsthandle with respect to the second handle while urging the anchor againstthe tissue. When a helical anchoring portion is provided, this relativerotation can effectuate implantation of the anchoring portion.

In further accordance with the disclosure, a prosthesis deliverycatheter or system and a prosthesis are also provided. In an exemplaryembodiment, this catheter/system can include an elongate inner bodyhaving a proximal portion and a distal tip. The distal tip includes afirst proximally extending tubular member having a freely floatingproximal end. The first proximally extending tubular member and elongateinner body cooperate to define a first substantially annular chamber.The catheter/system further includes an elongate tubular outer bodyhaving a proximal portion and a distal end. The elongate tubular outerbody can be disposed about a proximal region of the elongate inner body.

The elongate tubular outer body can be axially displaceable with respectto the elongate inner body. The distal end of the elongate tubular outerbody can be configured to substantially abut the proximal end of thefirst proximally extending tubular member. A distal region of theelongate tubular outer body and the proximal region of the elongateinner body can cooperate to define a second substantially annularchamber. The first and second chambers can cooperate to define aprosthesis chamber for receiving a compressed prosthesis.

The catheter/system can further be provided with a preloaded compressedprosthesis disposed about the elongate inner body in the prosthesischamber. The compressed prosthesis can have at least one rail eyelet forreceiving a flexible rail. The at least one rail eyelet can extendradially outwardly through a juncture defined between the distal end ofthe elongate tubular outer body and the proximal end of the firstproximally extending tubular member. The compressed prosthesis can beconfigured to expand radially outwardly when the elongate inner body isadvanced distally with respect to the elongate tubular outer body. Theelongate inner body and tubular outer body can be withdrawn proximallythrough a lumen defined by the prosthesis after deployment of theprosthesis without needing to disturb the prosthesis or anything inphysical contact with the prosthesis.

In some implementations, the catheter/system can further include aradiopaque marker mounted on the system proximate the prosthesischamber, such as on the first proximally extending tubular memberoverlapping a central region of the prosthesis chamber. If desired, thecompressed prosthesis can include a plurality of rail eyelets, whereineach rail eyelet is configured to receive a flexible rail. In someimplementations, the compressed prosthesis can include two rail eyelets,wherein each rail eyelet is configured to receive a flexible rail.

In various implementations, the compressed prosthesis includes agenerally tubular body adapted for placement proximate a mitral annulus.The tubular body can have a generally tubular upper portion adapted tosubstantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus. Thegenerally tubular upper portion can have a first circumferential wallthat is outwardly biased to urge against cardiac tissue of the leftatrium. The first circumferential wall can include a plurality ofindependently articulable frame portions configured to grip around thecircumference of the atrial side of the mitral annulus. The prosthesiscan also include a generally tubular lower portion extending downwardlyfrom the generally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lowerportion is preferably configured to substantially reside in the leftventricle below the mitral annulus. The lower portion can be defined byan generally circumferential wall that extends downwardly from thegenerally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lower portion caninclude at least one independently articulable anchor biased to extendradially outwardly from the generally tubular lower portion to urgeagainst the ventricular side of the mitral annulus to prevent theprosthesis from moving through the mitral opening toward the atrium. Theprosthesis can also include at least one prosthetic valve leafletdisposed within the tubular body, the at least one prosthetic valveleaflet being configured to occupy at least a portion of an openingdefined by the generally tubular upper portion and the lower portion.

In some implementations, the prosthesis can include a plurality ofindependently articulable anchors biased to extend radially outwardlyfrom the generally tubular lower portion to urge against the ventricularside of the mitral annulus to prevent the prosthesis from moving throughthe mitral opening toward the atrium. If desired, the prosthesis caninclude a fabric spanning across a framework of the prosthesis.

In other implementations, the compressed prosthesis can include agenerally tubular body adapted for placement proximate a mitral annulus.The tubular body can have a generally tubular upper portion adapted tosubstantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus. Thegenerally tubular upper portion can have a first circumferential wallthat is outwardly biased to urge against cardiac tissue of the leftatrium. The first circumferential wall can include a plurality ofindependently articulable frame portions configured to grip around thecircumference of the atrial side of the mitral annulus. The prosthesiscan also include a generally tubular lower portion extending downwardlyfrom the generally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lowerportion can be configured to substantially reside in the left ventriclebelow the mitral annulus. The lower portion can be defined by angenerally circumferential wall that extends downwardly from thegenerally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lower portion caninclude at least one downwardly extending pole for permitting attachmentof a tissue valve. The prosthesis can similarly include at least oneprosthetic valve leaflet disposed within the tubular body. The at leastone prosthetic valve leaflet can be configured to occupy at least aportion of an opening defined by the generally tubular upper portion andthe lower portion.

In further implementations, the compressed prosthesis can include agenerally tubular body adapted for placement proximate a mitral annulus.The tubular body can have a generally tubular upper portion adapted tosubstantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus. Thegenerally tubular upper portion can have a first circumferential wallhaving a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end, anddefining a first circumferential gap therebetween. The generally tubularupper portion can be biased to urge against cardiac tissue of the leftatrium. The first circumferential wall can include a plurality ofindependently articulable frame portions configured to grip around thecircumference of the atrial side of the mitral annulus. The prosthesiscan further include a generally tubular lower portion extendingdownwardly from the generally tubular upper portion. The generallytubular lower portion can be configured to substantially reside in theleft ventricle below the mitral annulus. The lower portion can bedefined by a generally circumferential wall that extends downwardly fromthe generally tubular upper portion and has a first circumferential endand a second circumferential end separated by a second circumferentialgap therebetween. The prosthesis can further include at least oneprosthetic valve leaflet disposed within the tubular body, the at leastone prosthetic valve leaflet being configured to occupy at least aportion of an opening defined by the generally tubular upper portion andthe lower portion.

In further implementations, the prosthesis can include an inflatablebladder disposed in the generally tubular lower portion of theprosthesis. The inflatable bladder can being configured to be inflatableso as to facilitate adjustment of the prosthesis, such as duringinstallation.

The disclosure further provides a lock deployment catheter having aproximal end and a distal end for delivering a deployable lock over atether to an anatomical location. The catheter includes an outer tubularmember having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate tubular bodydefining a lumen therethrough, and an inner elongate member disposed inthe lumen of the outer tubular member. The inner elongate member caninclude a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body. The cathetercan further include a deployable lock disposed in a distal region of thelumen of the outer tubular member. The deployable lock can be configuredto be pushed distally out of the outer tubular member by displacing theinner elongate member distally with respect to the outer tubular member.The catheter can also include an elongate removable snare having aproximal end and a distal end with a hook configured to capture afilament. The snare can be routed along a path through the distal end ofthe lock deployment catheter, the lock and at least a portion of theouter tubular member. The snare can be configured to capture a filamentand pull the filament along the path and out of a proximal portion ofthe catheter.

If desired, the lock deployment catheter can further include an axialcompressive limit spring for biasing the inner elongate member in aproximal direction with respect to the outer tubular member. The innerelongate member can include a first handle disposed at the proximal endthereof and the outer tubular member can include a second handledisposed at the proximal end thereof. The limit spring can be compressedand the lock can be released when the handles are pushed together alonga longitudinal axis of the catheter.

If desired, the lock deployment catheter can further include a lockhousing disposed in the distal region of the outer tubular member. Thelock housing can be configured to selectively receive the deployablelock. The lock can include a body with a first bore defined therein thatis parallel to the lumen of the outer tubular member for receiving thesnare therethrough, and a second bore oriented obliquely with respect tothe first bore for receiving a spring loaded retainer. The spring loadedretainer can be in a first compressed state when the deployable lock isdisposed in the outer tubular member. The spring loaded retainer canexpand out of the second bore when the lock is urged distally outwardlyof the catheter.

In some implementations, the lock can urge against the snare prior topulling the filament through the catheter. If desired, the path can passthrough an orifice formed in the spring loaded retainer.

The disclosure also provides systems and related methods for deliveringa prosthesis to a target location. The system includes a tether deliverycatheter as described herein and a prosthesis delivery catheter asdescribed herein. The system can also include a lock delivery catheteror knot pusher, as desired.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and are intended toprovide further explanation of the embodiments disclosed herein.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute partof this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a furtherunderstanding of the method and system of the disclosure. Together withthe description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of thedisclosed embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages ofexemplary embodiments will become more apparent and may be betterunderstood by referring to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary placement of an active rail fixationanchor/screw for both partial and full mitral valve replacement from asub-annulus view of mitral valve region.

FIG. 2(a) illustrates an exemplary articulating anchor and rail deliverysystem.

FIG. 2(b) illustrates an exemplary single rail tether and anchor.

FIG. 2(c) illustrates an exemplary double rail tether joined by a needleat a proximal end with an anchor, permitting the loading needle to becut and the two ends of tethers for each anchor to be knotted andadvanced to the surgical site to obviate the need for a lock.

FIG. 3(a) illustrates advancing an exemplary loaded prosthesis valve(full or partial replacement) delivery system over a rail or tether tothe mitral region.

FIG. 3(b) illustrates a closer view of advancing an exemplary loadedprosthesis valve (full or partial replacement) delivery system overrails toward a mitral valve.

FIG. 3(c) illustrates advancement of an exemplary loaded prosthesisvalve (full or partial replacement) delivery system over only railsanchored at location P2.

FIG. 3(d) illustrates advancing an exemplary loaded prosthesis valve(full or partial replacement) delivery system over rails to the mitralvalve.

FIG. 3(e) illustrates deploying an exemplary prosthesis valve (fullreplacement) delivery system over active rails to the mitral valve.

FIG. 3(f) illustrates an exemplary deployed full prosthesis over guiderails, wherein the prosthesis is in place, ready to be locked in placewith locks.

FIG. 3(g) illustrates deploying an exemplary prosthesis (partialreplacement) delivery system over rails.

FIG. 3(h) illustrates an exemplary prosthesis with a tissue cover thatcoapts against a native anterior leaflet.

FIG. 3(i) illustrates an exemplary deployed partial prosthesis overguide rails, wherein the prosthesis is in place and ready to be secured.

FIGS. 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c) illustrate different views of an exemplaryprosthesis delivery system with a prosthesis.

FIG. 5(a) illustrates an exemplary locking catheter.

FIG. 5(b) illustrates an exemplary lock for the locking catheter.

FIG. 6(a) illustrates an exemplary lock delivery system with lock andsnare for threading a guide rail through the lock and delivery system.

FIG. 6(b) illustrates an exemplary lock released in place with thedelivery catheter removed from a left ventricular (“LV”) view.

FIG. 6(c) illustrates an exemplary procedure completed using a partialmitral valve replacement prosthesis, LV view.

FIG. 6(d) illustrates an exemplary procedure using a full prosthesis, LVview.

FIGS. 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c) illustrate an exemplary full retrievablepartially compliant prosthesis with a tissue cover (partial replacement)delivered with guide rails anchored a locations P1, P2 and P3.

FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate an exemplary full replacement prosthesiswith self expanding anchors.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary guide rail based prosthesis deliverytechnique using a percutaneous approach that permits delivery andfixation of a prosthesis to the top of mitral annulus while preservingthe native leaflets and sub-annulus anatomy.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary guide rail based prosthesis deliverytechnique using an apical approach through the left ventricle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The method and corresponding steps of thedisclosed embodiments will be described in conjunction with the detaileddescription of the system.

Exemplary embodiments provide systems, devices and methods for repairingor replacing elements of the mitral valve, but it will be appreciatedthat similar approaches can be used to deliver other prostheses, such aslumenal stents, by providing the stent with at least one guide loop thatextends outside of the delivery system so as to accept a guide rail.This can be particularly useful when delivering stents to lumenallocations that experience strong flow or pressure gradients and/orreversal in blood flow. Exemplary elements of the valve prosthesisinclude the device frame, prosthetic posterior mitral leaflet equivalentand elements to prevent or reduce abnormal prolapse of the nativeanterior mitral leaflet during systole. Exemplary methods of implantingthe valve prosthesis include direct open surgical placement, minimallyinvasive surgical placement either with or without the use ofcardiopulmonary bypass, and totally catheter based implantation.Exemplary methods for maintaining the valve prosthesis in the preferredmitral annular location include external compression, compressionfollowing rail or suture guided implantation and seating with subsequentactive or passive fixation of the valve prosthesis based upon the railor suture guides.

FIG. 1. illustrates placement of an active rail fixation anchor/screwfor both partial and full mitral valve replacement from a sub-annulusview of mitral valve 300 region. Posterior sub-annulus and posteriorleaflet fixation locations and numbers can vary depending on fixationrequirements and prosthesis design. Should be from commissure tocommissure along the posterior sub-annulus and posterior leaflet.Preferably P2 or P1 and P3.

Anchor Delivery Catheter

In accordance with a first aspect, the disclosure includes an anchor andtether delivery catheter for delivering an anchored tether to ananatomical location.

For purposes of illustration, and not limitation, as illustrated inFIGS. 2(a)-2(c), a tether delivery catheter 100 is provided thatincludes an elongate torqueable drive shaft 320 having a proximal end102 that can have a first handle 322 attached thereto and a distal end104 having a coupling or holding chamber 316 for receiving an anchor.The tether delivery catheter 100 further includes an anchor 312 receivedin a torqueable relationship with the coupling 316 of the distal end 104of the elongate torqueable drive shaft 320. As shown in FIG. 2a , theanchor 312 has an anchoring portion to be advanced into an anatomicallocation, and at least one elongate tether 302 extending proximally fromthe anchor 312 toward the first handle 322. As shown in FIG. 2A, thetether delivery catheter 100 further includes an outer tubular member318 having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body (not shown)surrounding the elongate torqueable drive shaft 320. The outer tubularmember 318 can include a handle 106 near or at its proximal end, asillustrated. The second handle 106 is preferably rotatable with respectto the first handle about a central axis of the catheter to permit theanchor 312 and elongate torqueable drive shaft 320 to be rotated withrespect to the outer tubular member 318.

If desired, the anchor 312 can include a single tether 302 asillustrated in FIG. 2(a), or a plurality of tethers 324, such as twotethers as illustrated in FIG. 2(c). When a plurality of tethers 324 isprovided, a loading needle 326 can be provided that is disposed on aproximal end 328 of the tethers 302 to facilitate routing the tethersthrough the tether delivery catheter 100 prior to use. The anchoringportion of the anchor 312 can include a helical thread as illustrated,for example, among other suitable retaining structures. The anchoringportion can be anchored into tissue by rotating the first handle 322with respect to the second handle 106 while urging the anchor 312against the tissue. When a helical anchoring portion is provided, thisrelative rotation can effectuate implantation of the anchoring portion.This yields the arrangement in FIG. 1 wherein the anchors and tethersare attached to the mitral annulus 300. With these rails in place, aprosthesis can be threaded over the rail(s) and delivered to the mitralannulus. The tether(s) can include, in some implementations, a hollowbraided suture material including a radiopaque core material insertedalong its length such as a high density radiopaque fluoropolymer,radiopaque HDPE material, or other suitable radiopaque material.

Prosthesis Delivery Catheter

In further accordance with the disclosure as illustrated in FIGS.3(a)-4(c), a prosthesis delivery catheter or system and a prosthesis areprovided. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 4(b), in an exemplary embodiment,this catheter/system can include an elongate inner body 398 (FIG. 4b )having a proximal portion and a distal tip 358. The distal tip 358includes a first proximally extending tubular member 393 having a freelyfloating proximal end. The first proximally extending tubular member 393and elongate inner body 395 cooperate to define a first substantiallyannular chamber 392. The catheter/system further includes an elongatetubular outer body 320 having a proximal portion and a distal end. Theelongate tubular outer body 320 can be disposed about a proximal regionof the elongate inner body 395.

The elongate tubular outer body 320 can be axially displaceable withrespect to the elongate inner body 395. The distal end of the elongatetubular outer body 320 can be configured to substantially abut theproximal end of the first proximally extending tubular member 393. Adistal region of the elongate tubular outer body 320 and the proximalregion of the elongate inner body 395 can cooperate to define a secondsubstantially annular chamber 396. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) Thefirst and second chambers 392, 396 can cooperate to define a prosthesischamber 338 for receiving a compressed prosthesis 401.

As shown in FIG. 4(c), the catheter/system can further be provided witha preloaded compressed prosthesis 401 disposed about the elongate innerbody 395 in the prosthesis chamber 338. The compressed prosthesis 401can have at least one rail eyelet 336 for receiving a flexible rail. Theat least one rail eyelet 336 can extend radially outwardly through ajuncture defined between the distal end of the elongate tubular outerbody and the proximal end of the first proximally extending tubularmember. The compressed prosthesis 401 can be configured to expandradially outwardly when the elongate inner body 398 is advanced distallywith respect to the elongate tubular outer body 320. The elongate innerbody 398 and tubular outer body 320 can be withdrawn proximally througha lumen defined by the prosthesis after deployment of the prosthesiswithout needing to disturb the prosthesis or anything in physicalcontact with the prosthesis.

In some implementations, and as shown in FIG. 4(a) the catheter/systemcan further include a radiopaque marker 394 mounted on the systemproximate the prosthesis chamber 338, such as on the first proximallyextending tubular member 393 overlapping a central region of theprosthesis chamber 338. As shown in FIG. 4(c), if desired, thecompressed prosthesis 401 can include a plurality of rail eyelets 336,wherein each rail eyelet 336 is configured to receive a flexible rail.In some implementations, the compressed prosthesis can include two raileyelets 336, wherein each rail eyelet is configured to receive aflexible rail.

In various implementations as illustrated in the Figures, the compressedprosthesis 400 includes a generally tubular body 320 adapted forplacement proximate a mitral annulus. As shown in FIG. 3(e), the tubularbody 320 can have a generally tubular upper portion (e.g., 368) adaptedto substantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus 363.The generally tubular upper portion 368 can have a first circumferentialwall 365 that is outwardly biased to urge against cardiac tissue 367 ofthe left atrium. The first circumferential wall 365 can include aplurality of independently articulable frame portions 369 configured togrip around the circumference of the atrial side of the mitral annulus363. As shown in FIG. 3(c) and FIG. 3(f), the prosthesis can alsoinclude a generally tubular lower portion 371 extending downwardly fromthe generally tubular upper portion 368. The generally tubular lowerportion 371 is preferably configured to substantially reside in the leftventricle below the mitral annulus 363. The tubular lower portion 371can be defined by an generally circumferential wall that extendsdownwardly from the generally tubular upper portion 368. The generallytubular lower portion 371 can include at least one independentlyarticulable anchor 348 biased to extend radially outwardly from thegenerally tubular lower portion 371 to urge against the ventricular sideof the mitral annulus 363 to prevent the prosthesis from moving throughthe mitral opening toward the atrium. The prosthesis can also include atleast one prosthetic valve leaflet disposed within the tubular body, theat least one prosthetic valve leaflet being configured to occupy atleast a portion of an opening defined by the generally tubular upperportion and the lower portion.

In some implementations (all illustrated embodiments and in FIG. 8(a)),the prosthesis can include a plurality of independently articulableanchors 454 biased to extend radially outwardly from the generallytubular lower portion to urge against the ventricular side of the mitralannulus to prevent the prosthesis from moving through the mitral openingtoward the atrium. As shown in FIG. 3(g) and FIG. 3(h), if desired, theprosthesis can include a fabric 378 spanning across a framework of theprosthesis.

In other implementations (e.g., FIG. 8(b), 3(c), 3(f)), the compressedprosthesis 401 can include a generally tubular body adapted forplacement proximate a mitral annulus. The tubular body can have agenerally tubular upper portion adapted to substantially reside in theleft atrium above the mitral annulus. The generally tubular upperportion can have a first circumferential wall that is outwardly biasedto urge against cardiac tissue of the left atrium. The firstcircumferential wall can include a plurality of independentlyarticulable frame portions configured to grip around the circumferenceof the atrial side of the mitral annulus. The prosthesis can alsoinclude a generally tubular lower portion extending downwardly from thegenerally tubular upper portion. The generally tubular lower portion canbe configured to substantially reside in the left ventricle below themitral annulus. The lower portion can be defined by an generallycircumferential wall that extends downwardly from the generally tubularupper portion. The generally tubular lower portion can include at leastone downwardly extending pole 468 for permitting attachment of a tissuevalve. The prosthesis can similarly include at least one prostheticvalve leaflet disposed within the tubular body. The at least oneprosthetic valve leaflet can be configured to occupy at least a portionof an opening defined by the generally tubular upper portion and thelower portion.

Exemplary Prostheses

In further implementations (e.g., FIGS. 3(g)-3(i), 7(b). 7(c)), and asdescribed above, the compressed prosthesis can include a generallytubular body adapted for placement proximate a mitral annulus. Thetubular body can have a generally tubular upper portion adapted tosubstantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus. Thegenerally tubular upper portion can have a first circumferential wallhaving a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end, anddefining a first circumferential gap therebetween. The generally tubularupper portion can be biased to urge against cardiac tissue of the leftatrium. The first circumferential wall can include a plurality ofindependently articulable frame portions configured to grip around thecircumference of the atrial side of the mitral annulus. The prosthesiscan further include a generally tubular lower portion extendingdownwardly from the generally tubular upper portion. The generallytubular lower portion can be configured to substantially reside in theleft ventricle below the mitral annulus. The lower portion can bedefined by a generally circumferential wall that extends downwardly fromthe generally tubular upper portion and has a first circumferential endand a second circumferential end separated by a second circumferentialgap therebetween. The prosthesis can further include at least oneprosthetic valve leaflet 382 disposed within the tubular body, the atleast one prosthetic valve leaflet being configured to occupy at least aportion of an opening defined by the generally tubular upper portion andthe lower portion.

In further implementations (e.g., FIG. 7(a)), the prosthesis can includean inflatable bladder disposed in the generally tubular lower portion ofthe prosthesis. The inflatable bladder can being configured to beinflatable so as to facilitate adjustment of the prosthesis, such asduring installation.

Lock Deployment Catheter

The disclosure further provides a lock deployment catheter (see FIGS. 5,6) having a proximal end and a distal end for delivering a deployablelock 400 over a guide tether to an anatomical location. The catheter 500(FIG. 5(a)) includes an outer tubular member 404 having a proximal end,a distal end and an elongate tubular body 405 defining a lumentherethrough, and an inner elongate member (not shown) disposed in thelumen of the outer tubular member 404. The inner elongate member caninclude a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body. The cathetercan further include a deployable lock 400 disposed in a distal region ofthe lumen of the outer tubular member 404. The deployable lock 400 canbe configured to be pushed distally out of the outer tubular member 404by displacing the inner elongate member distally with respect to theouter tubular member 404. In FIG. 6(a), the catheter 500 can alsoinclude an elongate removable snare 422 having a proximal end and adistal end with a hook configured to capture a filament. The snare 422can be routed along a path through the distal end of the lock deploymentcatheter 500, the lock 400 and at least a portion of the outer tubularmember 404. As illustrated in FIG. 6(a), the snare 422, and hence guiderail 402, can pass through the distal end of the lock heter along aproximal direction and outside of the catheter though a hole in theouter wall of the catheter. The snare can 422 be configured to capture afilament and pull the filament along the path and out of a proximalportion of the catheter.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), if desired, the lock deployment catheter 500 canfurther include an axial compressive limit spring 408 for biasing theinner elongate member in a proximal direction with respect to the outertubular member 404. The inner elongate member can include a first handle410 disposed at the proximal end thereof and the outer tubular membercan include a second handle 406 disposed at the proximal end thereof.The limit spring can be compressed and the lock can be released when thehandles are pushed together along a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

If desired, the lock deployment catheter can further include a lockhousing 403 disposed in the distal region of the outer tubular member.The lock housing 403 can be configured to selectively receive thedeployable lock 400. As illustrated in FIG. 5(b), the lock 400 caninclude a body 402 with a first bore defined therein that is parallel tothe lumen of the outer tubular member 404 for receiving the snare 422therethrough, and a second bore oriented obliquely with respect to thefirst bore for receiving a spring loaded retainer 412. The spring loadedretainer 412 can be in a first compressed state when the deployable lock400 is disposed in the outer tubular member 404. The spring loadedretainer 412 can expand out of the second bore when the lock is urgeddistally outwardly of the catheter.

In some implementations, the lock can urge against the snare prior topulling the filament through the catheter. If desired, the path can passthrough an orifice 409 formed in the spring loaded retainer.

Systems, Kits and Delivery Methods

The disclosure also provides systems and related methods for deliveringa prosthesis to a target location. The system includes a tether deliverycatheter as described herein and a prosthesis delivery catheter asdescribed herein. The system can also include a lock delivery catheteror knot pusher, as desired.

FIG. 9 illustrates a percutaneous approach using the devices illustratedherein. FIG. 10 describes an apical approach. The methods themselves aredescribed in further detail in International Application No.PCT/US2011/59586, filed Nov. 7, 2011 which are incorporated by referenceherein above.

All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments ofthe invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in thefuture, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function,regardless of structure.

The methods and systems of the present disclosure, as described aboveand shown in the drawings, provide for improved techniques for treatingmitral valves of patients. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various modifications and variations can be made in thedevices, methods and systems of the present disclosure without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended thatthe present disclosure include modifications and variations that arewithin the scope of the subject disclosure and equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A prosthesis delivery catheter, comprising: a) anelongate inner body having a distal tip; b) an elongate tubular outerbody being disposed about the elongate inner body, the elongate tubularouter body being axially displaceable with respect to the elongate innerbody, a distal region of the elongate tubular outer body and theelongate inner body cooperating to define a substantially annularprosthesis chamber for receiving a compressed prosthesis; and c) acompressed prosthesis disposed about the elongate inner body in theprosthesis chamber, the compressed prosthesis having at least one tethereyelet, the at least one tether eyelet being configured for receiving anelongate tether therethrough; and d) at least one elongate tetherextending along an outside surface of the prosthesis delivery catheter,wherein the at least one tether extends along a first exterior portionof the prosthesis delivery catheter, through the at least one tethereyelet, and along a second exterior portion of the prosthesis deliverycatheter, the compressed prosthesis being configured to expand radiallyoutwardly and deployed when the elongate inner body is displaced axiallywith respect to the elongate tubular outer body to permit the prosthesisto be advanced along the at least one elongate tether toward an anchorthat is anchored at an anatomical location where the prosthesis is to beinstalled.
 2. The prosthesis delivery catheter of claim 1, wherein theprosthesis includes a single tether eyelet and further wherein the atleast one elongate tether is radiopaque.
 3. The prosthesis deliverycatheter of claim 1, wherein the at least one tether eyelet includes aplurality of tether eyelets extending radially outwardly therefrom andradially outwardly past the outer surface of the elongate tubular outerbody, the plurality of tether eyelets being circumferentially spacedfrom each other about a longitudinal axis of the prosthesis deliverycatheter.
 4. The prosthesis delivery catheter of claim 3, wherein theplurality of tether eyelets are spaced equally from each other about thelongitudinal axis of the prosthesis delivery catheter.
 5. The prosthesisdelivery catheter of claim 3, wherein the at least one tether eyeletincludes two tether eyelets spaced from each other about thelongitudinal axis of the prosthesis delivery catheter.
 6. The prosthesisdelivery catheter of claim 3, wherein two tether eyelets of theplurality of tether eyelets are spaced from each other by about 180degrees.
 7. The prosthesis delivery catheter of claim 1, wherein atleast one tether eyelet extends radially outwardly through a juncturedefined in the tubular outer body.
 8. The prosthesis delivery catheterof claim 1, wherein the tubular outer body includes a radiopaque marker.9. The prosthesis delivery catheter of claim 1, wherein the prosthesisincludes a generally tubular body configured for placement proximate amitral annulus having a generally tubular upper portion configured tosubstantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus, thegenerally tubular upper portion having a first circumferential wall thatis outwardly biased to urge against cardiac tissue of the left atrium.10. The prosthesis delivery catheter of claim 9, wherein the firstcircumferential wall includes a plurality of independently articulableloops that are configured to grip around the circumference of the atrialside of the mitral annulus.
 11. The prosthesis delivery catheter ofclaim 10, wherein the prosthesis also includes a generally tubular lowerportion extending downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion,the generally tubular lower portion being configured to substantiallyreside in the left ventricle below the mitral annulus, the tubular lowerportion being defined by a generally circumferential wall that extendsdownwardly from the generally tubular upper portion.
 12. The prosthesisdelivery catheter of claim 11, wherein the generally tubular lowerportion includes at least one independently articulable anchor biased toextend radially outwardly from the generally tubular lower portion tourge against the ventricular side of the mitral annulus to prevent theprosthesis from moving through the mitral opening toward the atrium. 13.The prosthesis delivery catheter of claim 12, further comprising atleast one prosthetic valve leaflet disposed within the tubular body, theat least one prosthetic valve leaflet being configured to occupy atleast a portion of an opening defined by the generally tubular upperportion and the lower portion.
 14. The prosthesis delivery catheter ofclaim 11, wherein the prosthesis includes a plurality of independentlyarticulable anchors that are biased to extend radially outwardly fromthe generally tubular lower portion to urge against the ventricular sideof the mitral annulus to prevent the prosthesis from moving through themitral opening toward the atrium.
 15. The prosthesis delivery catheterof claim 11, wherein the generally tubular lower portion includes atleast one downwardly extending pole for permitting attachment of atissue valve thereto.
 16. The prosthesis delivery catheter of claim 10,wherein the prosthesis includes a fabric spanning across a framework ofthe prosthesis.
 17. The prosthesis delivery catheter of claim 10,wherein the plurality of independently articulable loops include afabric material disposed on the loops.
 18. The prosthesis deliverycatheter of claim 1, wherein the prosthesis includes a generally tubularupper portion having a first circumferential wall that in turn has afirst circumferential end and a second circumferential end, and defininga first circumferential gap therebetween.
 19. The prosthesis deliverycatheter of claim 18, wherein the generally tubular upper portion isbiased to urge against cardiac tissue of the left atrium.
 20. Theprosthesis delivery catheter of claim 19, wherein the firstcircumferential wall includes a plurality of independently articulableframe portions configured to grip around the circumference of the atrialside of the mitral annulus.